After 11 Seasons, 33 years on air, and countless memorable late nights, The Late Show, hosted by Stephen Colbert, held its final show on May 21st, 2026. The Late Show has been a prominent fixture in the late-night talk show business for years. When CBS announced its cancellation in July 2025, the decision sparked strong reactions from viewers across the country.
CBS stated that the cancellation was primarily a financial decision, citing annual losses of roughly $40 million to keep the show running. This explanation made sense to many observers given the declining popularity of traditional late-night television in the age of streaming services and digital media. However, fans and critics quickly began to speculate that finances may not have been the only factor. Many believe there may be political motives behind the closure, given that Colbert and many other late-night talk show hosts have spoken out about the current Presidential Administration (CBS News). However, no one has confirmed or denied whether or not these claims are true.
Cobert has had a prolific career and did a great job curating his late-night persona. Mr. Quirk, one of Rampo’s Art teachers, said, “I think he’s a very bright, funny guy … I’ve been a fan for about 15 years.” Along with his time as a late-night TV host, he is also a comedian, writer, and producer. He has also worked closely with Comedy Central for previous projects like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.
The Late Show debuted in 1993 with David Letterman as its host. Being well-known in the industry and having incredibly popular guests like Billy Joel, the show was immediately a hit. Letterman was the trusted and well-known host of the show until 2015, when he passed hosting duties to Stephen Colbert. Stephen Colbert hosted the show from 2015 up until its closure, where he ended things on a high note (Britannica).
His final episodes were not somber, but instead filled with memorable moments that made the show’s conclusion special. In the episodes leading up to its closure, guests such as Tom Hanks and Jon Stewart made appearances while bearing gifts for Colbert, with many other guest appearances from other celebrities with ties to the show. Colbert and Letterman even did a stunt commemorating Letterman’s time on the show during one episode. Then, on Thursday, the 21st, the show was set to wrap-up.
During the final show, Paul McCartney served as the featured musical guest alongside several surprise appearances. Cobert and the “Strike Force Five,” consisting of Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, and John Oliver, who are all late-night talk show hosts, started a podcast together and all made an appearance. Olivia Vona, a sophomore at Ramapo, exclaimed, “My dad and I watched the final episode together, and I really enjoyed it! It was a good conclusion to the show as a whole.”
The final episode balanced humor and emotion, providing longtime viewers with a fitting farewell to one of television’s most influential late-night programs. Although The Late Show has come to an end, its impact on comedy, entertainment, and American television will continue to be felt for years to come.
